Declan Donnelly paid tribute to Ant McPartlin after he hosted the series finale of Saturday Night Takeaway alone.

Donnelly helmed the live episode from the Universal Orlando Resort in Florida without his presenting partner McPartlin, who has taken a step back from TV commitments following a drink-driving charge.

After the episode went off air, Donnelly thanked the audience for their support during the series, adding that it had been “fun” but “tinged with sadness”.

He asked the audience for a round of applause for McPartlin, “who is back at home”.

Donnelly added: “He’ll appreciate that.”

McPartlin has been absent from the ITV series in recent weeks.

He was charged by postal requisition on March 21 after allegedly being involved in a collision with two other cars while he was driving his Mini in Richmond, west London, on March 18.

The variety show was cancelled for one week, but Donnelly returned to host last Saturday.

The Gazette:

He took over presenting duties for the series finale in Florida, alongside support presenters Scarlett Moffatt and Stephen Mulhern, after spending several days in the sunny resort.

Dec made the heartfelt speech off camera to an intimate audience who watched the entertainment extravaganza live from Universal Orlando Resort.

More than 200 lucky viewers were flown out to Florida this week with Virgin Holidays for the programme's live finale after being surprised with tickets to Universal Orlando Resort throughout the series.

After Ant McPartlin stepped down from TV commitments following a drink driving charge last month, there were fears the show may not be going ahead with ITV cancelling one episode.

Yet Dec, 42, opted to continue with the final two shows of the series, saying he wanted to "honour" the trip for the hundreds of winners.